Tembeka Ngcukaitobi has been appointed as Acting Justice of the Constitutional Court by President Cyril Ramaphosa. His term runs from 01 June 2026 to 30 November 2026. This appointment marks a historic first, as he is believed to be the first black advocate appointed directly from the Bar to the Constitutional Court in an acting capacity.
Ngcukaitobi was admitted to the Johannesburg Bar in 2010 and awarded silk in 2020. He has extensive experience, having served as an acting judge in various courts, including the Labour Court and Land Claims Court. He is recognized for his work on significant public and constitutional law cases.
Key facts:
- Ngcukaitobi authored “The Land Is Ours” and “Land Matters”.
- He played a pivotal role in the State Capture inquiries and the Jacob Zuma Nkandla case.
- His expertise includes land law and socio-economic rights.
His elevation to the bench is seen as a potential litmus test for a permanent seat on the Constitutional Court. Observers expect him to bring an incisive analytical style to complex constitutional challenges. Tumi Sole remarked, “Well deserved congratulations to the SC!”
This move reflects a significant shift in South Africa’s judiciary towards greater diversity. Anticipation builds for Ngcukaitobi’s upcoming cases, which could further shape public law in the nation.
